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Sexual Assault Puts Dallas Community On Edge

DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Residents of an uptown Dallas apartment community received a letter Sunday from the Manchester State Thomas management, advising them of an alleged sexual assault. According to police, the incident happened at around 1:00 a.m. on Saturday morning at a townhome along Clark Street, near Griggs Park.

Multiple neighbors said that the victim was raped and beaten. She then, according to residents, banged on the doors of her neighbors for help.

“It was kind of scary, because I was home at the time it happened,” said nearby resident Jason Cavnar. “You think, in an area that has secure gates and everything, these kinds of attacks wouldn’t happen.”

While several residents said that it would be useful to have a description of the suspect, as of Sunday evening, the Dallas Police Department would only say that the investigation is ongoing.

“It’s definitely very unsettling, and it makes me very nervous,” said resident Jamie Garrett. “I have just heard of people getting things stolen, being held up at gunpoint, but no real violence or anything like that happening.”

The area near the townhome, where the alleged sexual assault occurred, is heavily lit with street lights. Neighbors said that there are usually many people outside late into the evenings on the weekends.

In the advisory letter from Manchester State Thomas, the leasing manager told residents, “This is an unfortunate reminder that crime can happen anywhere and at any time.” Citizens were urged to be aware of their surroundings and report anything suspicious to the authorities.

Brian joined the CBS 11 News team in 2013 after working as an investigative reporter for the CBS affiliate in San Antonio. While in South Texas, he was honored with six Lone Star Emmys, including one for his work along the U.S.-Mexico border....